Ireland

Family of murdered Jo Jo Dullard appeal to public to help ‘bring her home’

 Josephine 'JoJo' Dullard aged 21 (left), and a digitally enhanced version showing what she may have looked like aged 34 (11 years after first going missing). Gardai announced her disappearance 25 years ago, has been upgraded to murder.
 Josephine 'JoJo' Dullard aged 21 (left), and a digitally enhanced version showing what she may have looked like aged 34 (11 years after first going missing). Gardai announced her disappearance 25 years ago, has been upgraded to murder.  Josephine 'JoJo' Dullard aged 21 (left), and a digitally enhanced version showing what she may have looked like aged 34 (11 years after first going missing). Gardai announced her disappearance 25 years ago, has been upgraded to murder.

The sister of Jo Jo Dullard has asked people to “find it in their hearts” to come forward with information about the 21-year-old’s murder.

The young woman went missing from Moone in Co Kildare on November 9 1995.

Ms Dullard’s family have been searching for answers about her disappearance for almost 25 years.

She was last seen in the village shortly after 11.30pm as she was making her way home from Dublin.

Her sister, Kathleen Bergin, has appealed to the public to help “finish her journey home” so they can bury her.

“Please find it in your heart to come forward. Jo Jo was on her way home that night and her journey was cut short and she did not deserve what happened to her that night,” she said on Monday.

“You can help Jo Jo finish that journey and bring her home to us and lay her to rest beside Mam and Dad.”

 A memorial at the last known spot where Josephine'JoJo'  Dullard was seen in Moone in Co Kildare, as Gardai announced her disappearance 25 years ago, has been upgraded to murder
 A memorial at the last known spot where Josephine'JoJo' Dullard was seen in Moone in Co Kildare, as Gardai announced her disappearance 25 years ago, has been upgraded to murder  A memorial at the last known spot where Josephine'JoJo' Dullard was seen in Moone in Co Kildare, as Gardai announced her disappearance 25 years ago, has been upgraded to murder

The Serious Crime Review Team (SCRT) and the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (NBCI) launched a review of the case in February this year and found that serious harm came to Ms Dullard.

Gardai are now treating the incident as a murder investigation.

Detectives are appealing to anyone who met, saw, or has any information in relation to Ms Dullard’s murder to come forward.

She had been in Bruxelles Bar in Dublin before making her way home on the night she disappeared.

Gardai have asked the public if they remember meeting Ms Dullard in the bar.

She was wearing a dark anorak jacket, blue jeans, black boots and was carrying a small rucksack.

She also had her black Sanyo stereo cassette player (model MGP21) and earphones with her.

Gardai are also appealing to anyone who was hitchhiking in the immediate area around Moone at the end of October 1995 or the start of November 1995.

They said they are determined to provide answers for Ms Dullard’s family.

Inspector Martin Walker said: “I know it’s 25 years but it’s important they examine their conscience and come forward.”

Detective Inspector Des McTiernan said: “We began a review in February this year and, on the basis of conducting a victimology analysis and proof of life, we are satisfied that Jo Jo is dead and met her death through violent means.

“This is about finding Jo Jo and about getting justice for Jo Jo and her family.

“I would appeal to anyone who has information, let us decide if that information is important.”

Mrs Bergin said: “After all these years we have known in our hearts that Jo Jo is not alive and we are hopeful that the team will be able to move this case along further and, please God, find answer to our questions.

“We know they are doing everything they can do to find her. We would appeal to people as we know somebody, somewhere has information about her disappearance.

“We are praying that their circumstances have changed and are able to come forward.

“We know and understand that fear has been holding them back and believe us when we say we just want Jo Jo brought home. You will not be judged; no matter how small, please bring it forward.

“It’s what (sister) Mary would want also because she had fought so hard over the years and gave so much of herself and campaigned tirelessly on Jo Jo’s behalf.

“She passed away two years ago and our brother Tom passed away a number of years ago – none of them had answers and it was difficult to see them pass away with no answers. Mary fought tirelessly up to the end of her life.

“Jo Jo can’t speak for herself so we are her voice today and we will continue to fight for Jo Jo.”

Detective Superintendent Des McTeirnan speaks to the media at Newbridge Town Hall, where Gardai announced the disappearance 25 years ago, of Josephine 'JoJo' Dullard, has been upgraded to murder. 
Detective Superintendent Des McTeirnan speaks to the media at Newbridge Town Hall, where Gardai announced the disappearance 25 years ago, of Josephine 'JoJo' Dullard, has been upgraded to murder.  Detective Superintendent Des McTeirnan speaks to the media at Newbridge Town Hall, where Gardai announced the disappearance 25 years ago, of Josephine 'JoJo' Dullard, has been upgraded to murder. 

Mr Walker said gardai will be be looking at old rumours, old information, current intelligence and current information.

“We are largely dependent on people stepping forward,” he added.

“Jo Jo had plans for the future. She was starting a new job the following week. She was excited about life and enjoyed life.”

– Anyone with any information can contact Kildare Garda Station on 045 527 730 or any garda station. Anyone wishing to provide information confidentially should contact the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.